Mastermind Parenting Podcast

My brilliant, beautiful daughter Avery is turning 22. I’m so proud of the woman she’s become, and the relationship we’ve built. I’m celebrating her by opening up about all the ways I screwed up raising her. Avery grew up as the younger sibling of a strong-willed older brother, so she experienced it all. But we’ve proven that being human and making mistakes doesn’t have to drive a wedge between mother and daughter.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How honesty and humility about your mistakes can help you build a close, resilient relationship with your kids, from childhood through adulthood. That it’s possible to break cycles of trauma and mistreatment even if you’re not a perfect parent. How the relationships you had - or wanted to have - with your parents inform the relationships you have with your kids. And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-244 About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Mastermind Parenting Live Assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls, by Mary Pipher https://marypipher.com/reviving-ophelia/  Queen Bees and Wannabees, by Rosalind Wiseman: https://rosalindwiseman.com/queen-bees-and-wannabes

Judy Blume’s book “Blubber” is a vital book that looks at how kids experience bullying. Judy writes for and about kids with such honesty. Her characters are full, complex people that she trusts her young readers will relate to. She writes with humor and heart, without sugarcoating the struggles that kids face growing up. In “Blubber,” she writes candidly about how bullying happens, and how even the threat of bullying can make kids turn on their peers. As an adult, it’s such an important read because it reminds us that we can never know all the tough things our kiddos are going through. As parents, we have to lead with compassion, even when they’re taking their bad moods out on us. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why kids are so reluctant to speak up about bullying, even if it’s happening to them. The huge impact bullying can have on bystanders, and why they might join in to keep themselves from becoming a target. How to keep ourselves from taking it personally when our kiddos are lashing out. What sets Judy Blume apart from other children’s authors, and why her books are so often threatened with censorship. And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-243  About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Mastermind Parenting Live Assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Judy Blume is having a Moment. Her classic book “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” has been adapted into a movie: https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/  “Judy Blume Forever,” a new Amazon Prime documentary, explores her life and the lasting influence she’s had on generations of kids: https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Blume-Forever-Davina-Pardo/dp/B0B8SYKSVS 

It’s so easy for kids to overdo screen time, especially when school’s out. Screens and their content are designed to dominate their attention. Of course, we want to help our kids build a healthy relationship with that influence. But setting limits on screen time causes friction in so many families. Not only are we the first generation of parents who have to help our kids build a healthy relationship with screens, we’re out here struggling to manage our own screen time! The good news is, it is possible to set healthy boundaries around screens. AND I have a new resource to help you keep it from getting out of hand. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why shame about our own screen habits can lead us to lash out when our kids are absorbed in the glow. 2. That you can help guide your kids and their use of screens without going completely off the gird yourself. 3. How my first Masterminding Monthly live coaching call can help you face this big, big topic. And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-242/  About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Masterminding Monthly, my new, laser-focused, LIVE parent coaching sessions https://mastermindparenting.com/monthly/ 

Our fav pediatrician, Dr. Sarah Miller, is back for a conversation about neurodiversity, discipline styles, and why she chooses to be the Mama Bear for her kids. The inspiration for this episode came from a speech Dr. Sarah wrote about the way her children thrived at a preschool that teaches typically developing kids together with their peers who have disabilities and neurodivergence. Part of the reason that so many kids succeed in that environment is because of the conscious discipline techniques used (and taught) in the classroom. But, like many parents, she needed help to make that training work at home. The missing ingredient for Sarah was the same one I see so many moms struggle with; trusting themselves when they need to take charge and enforce boundaries. Sarah and I talk candidly about why it’s hard to be the Mama Bear, and how stepping into that role can transform your relationship with your kids. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How bringing the Mama Bear energy can make discipline more effective, AND help you reclaim your energy. 2. What happens when well-meaning parents focus on feelings, but aren’t comfortable setting boundaries with their kids. 3. How being honest with your kids builds trust, even when the truth isn’t fun. 4. Why it can be challenging to implement conscious discipline (and how Mastermind Parenting can help). And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-241 About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ 

This week we’re revisiting one of my all-time favorite conversations. If you’re a parent, especially one raising a strong-willed child, it’s a must-listen!  Michaeleen Doucleff is the author of “Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans.” She’s also a lovely human who shares her wisdom in the unpreachy-est and most beautiful way. “Hunt, Gather, Parent” is unlike any other parenting book I’ve ever read. It has quickly become required reading for every parent I work with one-on-one. It’s a fascinating anthropological study of human behavior. The oldest cultures in the world have mastered the art of raising happy, well-adjusted children. What can we learn from them? We break down what we are getting wrong when it comes to parenting in our mainstream culture, and celebrate the ancient wisdom of our foremothers in a very practical and relatable way. Get ready to learn from Michaeleen. She is absolutely delightful! I definitely have a mom crush on her, and you will too. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The practices of sustainable parenting that run through cultures around the world. 2. The qualities we celebrate in adults that we too often discourage in our kids. 3. How an investment of time and persistence can change behaviors for the better - and for the long term. 4. Why taking time for yourself and your own interests is good for you AND your kiddos.  And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-240 About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans, by Michaleen Doucleff: https://michaeleendoucleff.com/hunt-gather-parent/  Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ 

This week we’re taking you back to the early days of the pod, with an ep that describes the kind of kiddo and parent I most love to work with. This is the episode that some of my most favorite clients have said, “You described my kid like I had never heard before. I finally felt like someone really understood what I was dealing with.” Puzzling Kids are often sensitive souls who get overwhelmed by everything the world throws at them. Their frustration gets channeled into acting out, or escaping into screens and other distractions. They need plenty of understanding and support before they can break out of those cycles. Their parents need lots of understanding and support, too! Puzzling Kids push our buttons. It’s so hard to respond to that confrontational energy with compassion, but the tools we’re taught to set boundaries and guide behavior will only make things worse unless we get to a place of understanding and addressing the overwhelm.  In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why Puzzling Kids are so prone to disruptive behaviors. 2. My firsthand experience helping Puzzling Kids, as a coach and a mom. 3. How genuine empathy can help you reach your Puzzling Kid, and avoid the off-ramp of overdiagnosis and medication. 4. Empathy for yourself as a parent in a very tough situation. And much more!  As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Get all the links, resources, and transcripts at https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-239 About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/Links Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Let’s talk about time out and more importantly, why you’re a good parent even if you’ve been disciplining your kids by putting them in time out.   About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources and Links Take the "Is My Child Strong Willed Quiz,” it’s free! Just go to: https://mastermindparenting.com/swc-quiz Book your FREE Solutions Session live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Join our Free Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mastermindparenting

Today, I’m talking about your Mother’s Day plan.  We’ll break down why it’s often stressful and disappointing. My Mother’s Day wish is that you’ll leave our time together ready to make sure this year is better.   About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources and Links Take the "Is My Child Strong Willed Quiz,” it’s free! Just go to: https://mastermindparenting.com/swc-quiz Book your FREE Solutions Session live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Join our Free Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mastermindparenting

Today I welcome Diane Dempster and Elaine Taylor-Klaus, certified coaches and experienced parents of complex children. As co-creators of ImpactParents.com, Diane and Elaine offer guidance, support, and resources to parents worldwide dealing with challenges such as ADHD and anxiety. With a coaching approach to parenting, they aim to empower children to become independent problem solvers while fostering confidence and self-esteem. Their deep understanding of the unique needs of complex children and passion for supporting parents make them trusted guests on the podcast. When Diane Dempster and Elaine Taylor-Klaus first met, they were both searching for a way to address the challenges faced by parents of complex kids. Diane, a neurotypical mom, and Elaine, who had been diagnosed with learning and attention issues, discovered they both had undergone significant improvements as parents after becoming coaches. Intrigued by the idea of applying a coaching approach to parenting, they decided to team up and develop a method that would empower children to become independent problem solvers. Through trial and error, they realized the importance of guiding parents through a process-oriented approach rather than simply providing solutions. By teaching parents to collaborate with their children, they found that they could foster a sense of agency and inspire kids to overcome obstacles. In this episode, you will be able to: Master the art of raising complex children through focus on personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Achieve harmony in families with children facing mental health challenges by balancing dynamics. Utilize coaching principles to help children flourish as autonomous problem solvers. Cultivate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and trust-building in parental bonds. Embrace self-compassion, self-care, and recognize the importance of support networks for parents. As always, thanks for listening, and be sure and head over to Facebook and you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community, where we post tips and tools and do pop up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Diane and Elaine’s Web and Social Links Website: https://impactparents.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImpactParents YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ImpactParents About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources and Links Take the "Is My Child Strong Willed Quiz,” it’s free! Just go to: https://mastermindparenting.com/swc-quiz Book your FREE Solutions Session live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Join our Free Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mastermindparenting

Technology has gotten out of hand…at home and within the school system. Many kids are seeking technology dopamine hits from a very young age, and it has clearly become a big problem. Parents are left feeling powerless in the daily battle against tech companies, excessive screen time, and their effect on children. The fight is real, and the consequences of losing it have never been more urgent. And keeping the tech in check is too much to put on parents! Gaia Bernstein is an Author, a Law Professor and Co-Director of the Institute for Privacy Protection and Co-Director of the Gibbons Institute for Law Science and Technology at the Seton Hall University School of Law.  On today’s episode, Gaia and Randi discuss the importance of making legal changes to help with regulating technology. Managing the constant battle of our kids being hooked on tech is too much for any parent. We need our legal system to help us keep our kids’ brains safe.  Tech addiction is very dangerous.  Many experts have reported a mental health state of emergency for kids.  While Gaia is working on the legal side of it, Randi offers real time suggestions of changes that can be made inside the home. Enjoy this VERY relevant conversation to help our kids keep tech in check.  Download Your Free Guide to Keep Tech in Check: https://mastermindparenting.com/techcheck/  As always, thanks for listening, and be sure and head over to Facebook and you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community, where we post tips and tools and do pop up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! About Gaia Bernstein Gaia Bernstein is a renowned professor on issues at the intersections of law, technology, privacy and health, and author of the book: Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies (Cambridge University Press, March 31, 2023). Gaia’s Web and Social Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernsteingaia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaia-bernstein-638b0252/ About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays. She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S. At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources and Links Take the "Is My Child Strong Willed Quiz,” it’s free! Just go to: https://mastermindparenting.com/swc-quiz Book your FREE Solutions Session live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/ Join our Free Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mastermindparenting